§ 84. Mr. HAYESasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that applications for employment on the work of the new Mersey Tunnel are being made by non-local men; and will he give an assurance that before outside labour is obtained a certificate shall be obtained from the local Employment Exchanges on the Merseyside that no suitable local labour was available?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I have no information as to applications made for employment on the Mersey Tunnel works. The hon. Member has already been supplied with the Clause inserted in Contract No. 1 regulating the engagement of labour.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not the fact that 50 per cent. of the cost of this work is collected by the Road Fund from selected grounds in the whole of the country, and will the Minister undertake that not more than 50 per cent. of local men are employed?
§ Colonel ASHLEYOh, no; I think it is right that local men should be employed.
§ Lieut.-Commander ASTBURYWill the Minister undertake that no man is employed for this scheme who has not been resident in the. place for five years?
§ Colonel ASHLEYHe has got to be resident for 12 months.